Box Score BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Carroll University women's tennis battled hard but came up just short in a 4-3 loss to Illinois Wesleyan on Friday in Bloomington, Illinois. The Pioneers showed resilience in singles play after dropping all three doubles matches, but the early deficit proved costly.

Illinois Wesleyan claimed the doubles point with narrow wins at all three positions. Carroll's top duo of Natasa Pupovac and Katherine Trifilio pushed their match to the wire before falling 7-5, while Nawal Souki and Makayla Counsell also dropped a close 7-5 decision at No. 3.

In singles, Pupovac delivered a dominant performance at No. 1, cruising past Amber Ehrlich 6-1, 6-3. Trifilio followed with a straight-set victory at No. 2, defeating Gabrielle Lipske 6-2, 6-3 to even the team score. Souki provided the third point for Carroll in dramatic fashion, rallying from a first-set loss to outlast Adia Douglas 0-6, 6-3, 7-5 at No. 5.

Despite the strong singles showing, Illinois Wesleyan secured the team win with victories at positions three, four, and six. Mia Franke battled in a marathon match at No. 3 before falling in two tight sets (5-7, 6-7), while Counsell and Erin Horzewski were unable to overcome their opponents.

With the loss, Carroll moves to 3-3 in conference play but continues to show promise with competitive performances across the lineup. The Pioneers return to action Saturday at Millikin as they look to avenge this loss.